Has anyone asked you what you want to major in when you attend college? It’s a common question with a common answer of, “I don’t know.” Some students have a clear vision of their future, or at least they think they do, but almost 50% of students apply to college undecided, and another 75% change their major at least once while enrolled in college. Don’t be afraid or concerned to be applying to college without declaring a major. It may be the right choice for you, but before you choose to do so, let’s review what it means to be undecided and some of the advantages and disadvantages of applying this way.
What Does Undecided Mean?
When you apply to college without indicating a major on your application, it indicates that you need more time to explore your options. Some colleges refer to this as being undecided, others undeclared, and some use the term exploratory. Generally, colleges do not require you to decide on majors until the end of your sophomore year. Once a major is chosen, you begin to add major-specific coursework to your schedule.
Advantages of Applying Undecided
My favorite term to describe students who apply undecided is exploratory. I find this term best captures the positive characteristic of curiosity. You may not have been exposed to certain academic areas yet, or you might have multiple interests. Many colleges have introduced exploratory programs and/or advisors to help students navigate their interests with purpose. Others employ exploratory pre-majors so, for example, a student generally interested in business may apply to a school’s business program without yet declaring their area of focus within business.
1. More Time
Whether your college uses the term exploratory, undeclared, or undecided, the advantage is the same: you have more time to explore various academic areas to find your best fit major.
2. Less Stress to Lock In
Applying undecided can also relieve some of the pressure you may be feeling around choosing the right major when you haven’t even finished high school yet! Being undecided allows you to make a more informed and intentional decision.
3. Opportunity to Prove Yourself
Sometimes applying undecided may be advantageous when you’re considering a more competitive major and your high school transcript doesn’t meet all the requirements, including GPA, test scores, or course selection. If you’re not required to apply directly to a competitive major (see below), you may be able to prove yourself in your initial college courses and then apply to your chosen major for some colleges.
4. More Authentic Essays and Interviews
One of the current college buzzwords is authenticity. When you declare a major, you may be asked to explain why in either a supplemental essay or interview. While not every school asks students to write additional essays or interview, explaining why you chose that major at that school may sound lackluster, when it’s chosen randomly. It may put you in an uncomfortable position to pretend to be something you’re not. If, on the other hand, you honestly express why you’re undecided, perhaps sharing anecdotes about a few different interests, pretense fades and interesting authentic essays and discussions are the outcome.
Disadvantages of Applying Undecided
May Negatively Impact Acceptance into Specific Programs
Some competitive majors require you to apply directly as part of your first-year application, as referenced above. Nursing is one example of such a major, where some colleges, not all, may ask students to apply directly to the major as part of their application to the college. This may be because the coursework is prescribed and the clinical experiences are limited. Other competitive majors may only allow for a small number of students to be admitted later, decreasing the acceptance rate. Business and Engineering can be a couple of those majors. Therefore, applying undecided in the hopes of later declaring a competitive major may not be the right choice for you.
Can Delay Graduation
You can also find yourself too comfortable with delaying your decision. This poses a risk of falling behind schedule in the event the major you ultimately choose requires more classes than you have remaining slots for in your four-year plan. This can elongate your college years.
Making Your Decision
Keep in mind that this is just the beginning of your professional journey. Your life leads you down a winding road with unexpected turns along the way. In fact, only 46% of people work in their major from college. Applying to college as an undecided major is not a sign of indecision; it’s an opportunity for you to explore and discover your own path at your own pace. You just need to be aware of the pros and cons of doing so.Whether you choose to apply with a major in mind or decide to explore your options, the most important thing is to embrace your journey and make the most of your college experience.
Looking for help with the college search and application process? We help students and families through the entire college planning journey – from search, applications and essays to interview prep, financial aid consultation and final school selection.
Contact us at info@signaturecollegecounseling.com or by phone, 845.551.6946. We work with students through Zoom, over the phone and by email.
